Leading Nissan’s ADAS Development
as the “Control Tower”
Since joining Nissan, I have been responsible for project management that ensures smooth development of all ADAS (Advanced Driver Assistance Systems) functions for Nissan vehicles. Specifically, my role involves overseeing the development of driver support features such as ProPilot, lane departure prevention, as well as parking support functions. In essence, I serve as the “control tower” that manages the overall progress of Nissan’s advanced driver assistance features.
The product planning division sets the requirements for how these technologies are to be integrated into each model. Our team’s mission is to advance mass production while balancing “performance, cost, and delivery schedule,” ensuring that 100% of these requirements are met. The specific features to be implemented vary not only by model but also by trim level and target market, as ADAS functions differ accordingly. Since Nissan plans and develops its vehicles for global markets in Japan, we also take into account each country’s laws and customer preferences to respond appropriately.
From a single designer
to a project overseer
In my previous role, I worked as a mechanical designer for a major electronics parts supplier, specializing in pressure sensors. Because pressure sensors are small components, I was involved in everything from planning and design to reliability testing. This experience taught me the fundamentals of manufacturing, which I now find very useful in the automotive industry.
There are two main reasons I decided to change jobs. First, I wanted to leverage my technical expertise to challenge myself in product management. I aimed to develop skills in setting policies for new product development and solving specific design challenges, gaining a broader perspective on manufacturing. Second, I wanted to work on products that I could more easily feel the impact of in daily life. Cars, especially, attract global attention with each new release, and since I’ve always loved cars, I decided to take a leap into a different industry.
The key is how well you can communicate
your goals to others
In managing projects within automotive development, I found that catching up with industry knowledge was not the most difficult part. The greater challenge was “getting others to act.” In my previous job, I was involved in all stages of the process, so if I took responsibility, I could often push things forward. However, in automotive development, where the scale and number of people involved are vastly larger, this approach doesn’t work.
As someone overseeing the progress of all ADAS functions, it’s essential to coordinate with engineers responsible for each feature and share a clear vision with all relevant departments. Even a slight misalignment in understanding among stakeholders can disrupt the delicate balance of “performance, cost, and schedule” needed for a successful release. I learned how crucial communication skills are—being able to clearly convey what we want to achieve and what we are requesting from others is fundamental to effective project management.
Understanding the “core” of cutting-edge technology
to elevate management quality
Transitioning to Nissan shifted my role from individual design work to leading entire projects in collaboration with various teams. I was curious about trying new challenges, but initially, I also felt quite anxious. Fortunately, the senior members of my team supported me. Nissan has many employees who are dedicated to mentoring others, and I received thorough guidance from the beginning on how to proceed with automotive development, primarily through on-the-job training (OJT).
On the practical side, I was entrusted with tasks that built on my previous experience, which helped me work with confidence. My current goal is to deepen my technical expertise in the ADAS domain. While I have acquired the fundamental knowledge necessary for management, I still have a way to go before reaching the level of a development engineer. The advanced technologies that symbolize recent automotive evolution are complex, but I believe that a management approach grounded in a deep understanding of these technologies is the shortcut to delivering better Nissan vehicles. I am committed to continuing this path.
